How can I design a Scandi-style minimal work space, as seen on Instagram?

Chloe Hines Chloe Hines
Интерьер OOD, INT2architecture INT2architecture Estudios y despachos de estilo escandinavo
Loading admin actions …

Scandinavian-style work spaces have risen in popularity for a few reasons – they're incredibly minimal and functional, great at combining colours, textures and furnishings that motivate you to work clearly, and have recently gained a lot of attention on social media outlets like Instagram and international magazines and catalogues. Scandi-style work spaces usually include a light colour palette, textures and patterns, rugs and unique accessories that keep you happy, productive and inspired all day long!

The key to creating the perfect work space is to acquire some great Scandinavian-style furniture, like a desk, chair and maybe a mid-century sofa, and let these key items be the inspiration for the entirety of the room.  If sleek functionalism and a touch of fun minimalism is what you're after to keep you going through long evening work hours, or especially if you work from home, then look no further than our suggestions below to create a fabulous, Instagram-worthy work space!

Paint all walls white

First, you need to paint all the walls in your office space entirely white. We suggest sticking with a stark, true white, rather than an off-white because this can easily dim down the space and dull any natural or artificial light you use in the room. The starkness of all-white has been the preferred starting colour palette for designers creating a Scandinavian space – and for good reason. White will brighten any room up, no matter how limited you might be on natural light, allowing you to feel awake and ready when you enter your work space first thing in the morning, or even later in the evening.  

The best part about white is that it is absolutely the most clean slate you can start with for acquiring your furnishings and decorative accessories!

Choose a quirky, Scandinavian style desk and chair

Mokotów, Studio R35 Studio R35 Estudios y despachos de estilo escandinavo

As we mentioned before, it is important that you shop around to find the perfect Scandinavian-style desk and chair to get your Scandi-inspired space started off on the right foot. Take a look at the example shown here – you will notice that the minimalism of the desk doesn't offer a lot of options for storage for pens, tools, files and other accessories. 

In a Scandi-style work space, the priority is surrounding yourself with only the objects you will need on a daily basis. This 'less is more' concept keeps you solely focused on the task in front of you without any visual distractions. Even in the smallest of spaces, using minimal, Scandi-style furnishings can work – just check out this Parisian example!

Hang two or three striking typography prints

Since the early 20th century, Scandinavia, the Dutch and even Germans have become well-known for their success in graphic design and typographical studies. They are all, rightly so, very proud of this reputation and don't shy away from using such art and graphic prints in their homes and work spaces. 

Since you will be starting with all-white walls, you will have complete freedom in the colours and combinations of styles and art works you include in your work space.  However, for a typical Scandinavaian-style office, consider combining striking typography prints and include some great quotes (designer's quotes are popular among the Scandinavian population) on your office walls.  These types of art will still allow you to maintain a minimal yet inspiring work space, while offering visuals that aren't too distracting.

Check out this great living/office space combined and see how the usage of a large-format typography print and a vintage map work so well together.

Make a large pinboard and pin inspiring cuttings

homify Estudios y despachos de estilo escandinavo

Depending on what type of work you do, it is always nice to have an ideaboard or inspirational area where you can jot down and accumulate random thoughts for business success. An easy and affordable way to do this is to use a pin board for inspiration cuttings, quotes and ideas. 

Take a look at this large-format pin board – the designer kept it all-white to match the minimal concept of the room and placed it strategically right behind the desk and the overhead lights for easy access for the worker.

Are you good at spotting great visual content while perusing through a magazine? Simply tear it out and pin it up!

Add life to your desk with small plants

Scandinavians and Europeans in general love house and indoor plants.  They're included both for function and for aesthetic value and you should join in on this too.  Why not add a few window plants to your office for something to take care of and look after – and for a feel of nature on your desk, why not add a few small plants?

We suggest that you stick with cacti, succulents, or any other low maintenance indoor plants. The last thing you want to worry about while having a focused work space is a dying pot of flowers!

Add pops of texture and colour with a cosy blanket or cushion

In a Scandinavian-style work space, you should leave the colour to the small accessories and decorations. Of course, remember that decor should be kept to a minimum for the ultimate Scandinavian space. Most of your colour should be drawn from typography and graphic prints, and from your blankets and/or cushions you bring into the room.

As you've seen in the desk and chair example above, Scandinavian furniture is not always built for comfort.  A great way around this is to add cosy blankets, cushions, or even an animal-skin throw over a great Eames chair. If you're feeling a bit more daring, or simply need more colour in your space, why not paint one wall in your office a bold colour, as seen here!

Choose the perfect desk lighting

homify Estudios y despachos de estilo escandinavo

Choosing the right type of lighting and lighting fixtures can provide a huge lift to your office space and even your life. We always suggest using as much natural light as possible – thus avoiding curtains and blinds and opting instead, for sheers. 

However, we realize that a lot of homeowners work from home in the late-evening hours and to keep yourself awake and motivated, choosing the proper lighting will be important here.  We suggest, depending on your office size, that you include one overhead light that is larger and then a desktop lamp for direct light in your work space and for a cosier feel. Take this office as a great display of overhead lighting and a desktop lamp – obviously there is a point of natural light in this room and even with the darker wall colours, the space still feels well-lit and ready for work!

Stack files and books neatly on shelves – organise them nicely

Lastly, a proper Scandinavian-style desk will provide minimal, if any, storage space and units.  For all the items you will inevitably need in your office you will need to use a proper shelving or storage system that is functional, yet doesn't take away from the look of the Scandinavian-style room you've tried so hard to create.

We suggest you choose an open-shelving option like the one seen here.  Exposed shelving is great for multiple reasons – it allows you to have visual accessibility to anything you might need, it forces you to minimise clutter and keep it organized, and depending on how you organize everything it can add a great decorative feature to the room!

Scandinavian design is definitely on top of the trend pile right now, so why keep it confined to the office? For more inspiration, find out how to create a Scandinavian style home!

¿Necesitas ayuda con tu proyecto?
¡Contáctanos!

Destacados de nuestra revista